What we actually learned from Australia’s losses against Canada

By Kieran Yap 7/12/23

Above: Teagan Micah for Australia. Photo: Caroline Charruyer / Football Australia

The Matildas final games of 2023 were not ones to remember from an Australian perspective, but contrary to the loudest voices, that does not mean that there were no lessons to be learned from the games.

After we remove the hyperbole and separate the concerns of the broadcaster over which big names are going to attract the most eyeballs, this could still be a valuable window, even if the results were meaningless.

Australia lost two consecutive games against Canada, in Christine Sinclair’s farewell games, and on artificial turf.

These games took place in the middle of the English and French season and at the end of the NWSL, Damallsvenskan and Mexican Liga. This is important context, as is the fact that 2023 has been a year that Australia has planned towards for years, and these matches were sandwiched between important Olympic qualifiers.

But let’s get the criticism out of the way first, because it is important to point out the actual failings, and to some degree satisfy those in the comments who will claim outdatedly that “women’s football is never criticised.”

First up, the team selection was not ideal. Not in the personnel, these are all professional players with big game experience, not “cannon fodder” as some they’ve been referred to.

The issue was that the team is set up to press in attack, and defend in numbers. Without a striker noted for their pace, or any out and out wingers, Canada were able to play the ball out from the back under minimal pressure.

Tameka Yallop and Alex Chidiac both are excellent players when cutting into the middle of the pitch and they prefer to play that way. Canada’s fullbacks and wingers took full advantage of the gaps out wide, that were able to be found from deep with ease.

Secondly, the defenders were too deep, and the forwards not deep enough. This is one of those issues that arises from a team that has not played much together, but to put it simply, the side was stretched.

Polkinghorne’s error to concede the opening goal was when she received the ball deep in the 18 yard box. This feels unusual for Australia who’s centre backs are often found closer to the half way line without possession. The midfielders could not relieve the pressure with Remy Siemsen isolated further ahead.

Amy Sayer did move deeper to link play and find the ball, but this might have been helped had Holly Mcnamara been fit. A player who can take possession around half way and take the ball forward is rare. When McNamara recovers she will hopefully make resting Caitlin Foord or Mary Fowler seem like less of an issue.

Third, there was not enough pace in the 11 that started in the first game. This may have been unavoidable, but Canada likely looked faster because they were. It’s not a complicated issue. injuries to Charli Grant and Cortnee Vine limited the options without Hayley Raso,  Steph Catley or Ellie Carpenter.

But moving on to what was learned, because there was plenty, and quite frankly it is hard to understand how any professional analyst could honestly say they could find no practical, usable lessons from the first game in particular.

There is a positive spin to what follows, but the way that The Matildas use friendly games is to try and gain something out of each match, the cost in non-tournament fixtures is not seen as important.

4-4-2 depends alot on available players.

This was touched on above, but Australia’s turnaround in form in late 2022 was on the back of as switch to an old fashioned 4-4-2 formation. They do switch it around when needed, especially in the World Cup, but it seems to be the default preferred setup.

Without fast fullbacks and specialist wingers, this system leaves Australia vulnerable. The gaps that appeared in the centre of the park did so because the midfielders turned it over. The ones that appeared out wide did so because on an absence of players, similar to Australia’s loss to Nigeria at the World Cup.

Both in possession and in defensive shape, The Matildas ideal formation only works best against minor opposition, or with the right players to fill the roles. They are building depth, but this game showed it remains a work in progress.

It’s not as simple as “start Chidiac!”

With good reason Alex Chidiac is one of the most popular players in the Matildas setup. Without going too much into her CV she has abilities that few others do. During the World Cup, it became a common refrain to demand Chidiac start or play more. This window, and to some extend the one before it shows that it is more complicated than that.

Chidiac should be played in a role that suits her remarkable talents. Melbourne Victory unleashed her in a free-roaming playmaking role, where she could run amok in the final third of the pitch. Overseas club coaches, and the national team managers have found it harder to accommodate this.

She is often pushed out wide where her close control and combination passing are not as useful. I doubt that a line will be put through her name on the back of the last two windows, but like many of the great playmakers of the sport, she is at her best when the playing system is tailored to bring out her qualities.

We all want to start Chidiac, but how she is used, and how that impacts other players is a more important and nuanced discussion. It is in the best interests of the national team to solve this riddle, because she is a dynamite footballer.

Micah has still got it.

This was hugely important and worth celebrating. Teagan Micah has had a long road back to starting for The Matildas. Since a concussion sustained in 2022, she has barely featured at club or national team level.

Suddenly, Australia’s wealth of goalkeeping options looked slightly less bountiful. When World Cup icon Mackenzie Arnold withdrew through injury Micah had to step up, and she did.

Despite conceding six goals in two games, she was excellent while under siege. In the first game, she kept the score from tipping over into disaster areas, and in the second Canada could only score with Micah on the ground and out of the contest. Her positioning to stop a Nichelle Prince breakaway was perfect in its timing and execution. she closed down the angle after Clare Hunt’s lung busting run to stop an almost certain goal.

Her hands were as strong as always, overhead she is composed, and her reflexes cannot be faulted. Micah took a major step for herself and the team. She should have every confidence of repeating her Tokyo form in the upcoming Olympics.

Sarah Hunter and Charli Rule will return to this level.

Although both teenagers took some adjusting to the pace of full senior international football, they did not hide from the game, did not shirk responsibility, and kept trying to back their abilities and experience. In exhibition games, coaches look for more than just stats. These two showed the right mentality, and Rule was rarely out of position, even if she was often isolated.

Consternation of Hunter’s elevation sometimes betrays a lack of understanding of how she got there. She was the best player at Australia’s Under 20 World Cup in Costa Rica, was Australia’s dominant midfielder with the Under 23’s in the AFF Championships that same year, was the best young player in 2022/23’s A-League Women season, and was Sydney FC’s midfield pivot as the team won the league and Grand Final.

Since then she has left her comfort zone and signed for Paris FC. In short, she has done everything to be selected, and earned her chance. She will want more, because everything she has achieved so far indicates that she is a winner who is willing to go through hard times to achieve.

If there is a lesson to be taken from the performance of some players it is that there is still a gap between being a great A-League Women player and being a capable international footballer against top opposition.

Too often we hear calls for in-form but very young Dub players to be chosen for The Matildas. The ease in which Emily van Egmond has dominated for The Jets demonstrates that we cannot be too hasty and immediately hype up players for the very top level. When they take their first steps, we must be patient with them as fans.

Clare Wheeler pretty much stamped her ticket for Paris (if we make it)

It is easy to forget that coaches often look for different things in a player than fans. Anybody watching the first game could see that Clare Wheeler is at ease at any level, and in a variety of roles.

In the win against The Philippines, Wheeler was pretty much allowed to do as she pleased. She was under minimal pressure in midfield as free to move around behind the ball to support and create. Against Canada she was under considerably more pressure and space was much more limited.

Wheeler was still able to receive the ball and turn to face goal in attempts to move Australia forward. The Everton player was Australia’s best player, and looked at home in a senior role in that midfield. Wheeler is often described as a “six” and started almost every 2021 Asian Cup match as a defensive midfielder but is more than a stopper.  

She can carry the ball, play quick passes and intercept attacks. There would have been some temptation to bring on the big names at half time, but there was value in letting the same lineup start the second half.  It was worth seeing who responded to the situation and if anybody would try to step up and influence the match from there.

Wheeler seemed spurred on by the deficit, all the more determined to change the circumstances. We saw Clare Wheeler: Matildas leader emerge in this game. She is surely a shoe in for an 18 player Olympics squad.

Learning to play out from the back is worth pursuing.

At the start of this international window, Tony Gustavsson made it clear that Australia needed to learn to build attacks from the backline. Alana Kennedy and Steph Catley’s long passes have always yielded results, and Ellie Carpenter or Clare Polkinghorne’s ability to charge up the field has offered other outlets to start attacks. However, an issue that arose from the World Cup semi final against England was that Sarina Weigmann’s team had adapted and prepared for the quick counter attack.

Australia need to perfect multiple ways of creating chances. Gustavsson pointed out that The Matildas were in the top three World Cup sides for breaking down the last line of defence, but were among the bottom sides at the tournament for breaking the first line, or opposition press.

If we assume that the World Cup starting XI spent the first week in training for this tactic, with the plan to try it in Game Two, then there is still much work to do. There were signs of it bearing fruit, but it was infrequently successful over the 90 minutes.

This is not a reason to give up on it. It will be required to win a medal in Paris, and may be needed to get past Uzbekistan to qualify. It may require a change in formation, or having fullbacks inverted, but despite the issues in the execution, it is something that The Matildas need to be able to turn to when necessary.

An available Sam Kerr might create more space by stretching the opposition team, and Charli Grant’s ambidextrous passing might help them reach their goal. It will take some tinkering, and probably will cost some more goals in exhibition games, but this was not a wasted opportunity. The coaching staff would have learned some of what they need to know to make it happen.

It is a certainty that the coaches would have learned more about this game than anybody watching on, but almost all of the focus has been on the lineup in the first game. Very little discussion has gone towards the tangible and fixable issues that occurred against Canada.

But there were lessons to be learned, and a few deep breathes and an attempt to watch it from an unbiased, non-brand concerned perspective revealed that these games, although hard to watch and impossible to enjoy, were not a waste of time from an Australian perspective.

Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, and Facebook.   

Red-hot Arsenal primed to take on Chelsea

by Ruby Joanne (6/12/23).

Above: Victoria Pelova (21), Beth Mead, and Alessia Russo celebrate against Aston Villa earlier this season. They will be hoping for more good times against Chelsea on Sunday. Photo: Ben Phillips for Impetus.

As they went into the international break, Arsenal racked up their sixth straight WSL win with a 3-0 victory over West Ham United.

Further signs of Jonas Eidevall side’s growth as the campaign has gone on can be seen with the stats that Manuela Zinsberger kept a second successive clean sheet in a row with the additional boost of Beth Mead’s brace. This was a milestone that the club’s fans have been waiting for since November last year after Mead suffered an ACL injury. She also joins Vivianne Miedema in becoming the second Arsenal player to reach 100 involvements (57 goals, 43 assists) in the WSL.

The first game after this international break, on Sunday, brings a thrilling top-of-the-table clash against Chelsea at the Emirates. More than 50,000 tickets have been sold and the club are looking to set a record attendance in the WSL.

Arsenal are currently second in the league with nineteen points, just behind Chelsea who are three points ahead. Both sides go into the game having won at least their last five games, making this upcoming fixture crucial. With Mead and Miedema back from injury, Eideval will have a tricky decision in naming which one of Arsenal’s forwards will be in the starting lineup.

Above: Kyra Cooney-Cross has been hugely influential for Arsenal in recent weeks. Photo: Mariella Prew for Impetus.

The North London side’s summer signings have made a brilliant impact in recent games, with all three of Amanda Ilestedt, Cloe Lacasse, and Alessia Russo getting their names on the scoresheet. Kyra Cooney-Cross earned her first WSL start in the game that arguably marked Arsenal’s most impressive moment so far this season. Their second-half performance against Leicester City.

The Gunners found themselves 2-0 down at half-time, but fans only had to wait four minutes into the second half until Lacasse sparked their comeback. Russo, Foord, Pelova, Blackstenius. and Hurtig soon followed leaving the final score at 6-2. Cooney-Cross went into the international break on the back of a hugely influential performance for the club.

Both sides are in top form – something has to give on Sunday. It’s going to be some spectacle.

This is the second in our three-part preview of Sunday’s Arsenal v Chelsea game in the WSL.

To read the first part, Maisie McNulty’s analysis of Chelsea’s season to date, click on this link: https://impetusfootball.org/2023/12/05/chelsea-nothing-stops-them-so-far/

Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, and Facebook.   

Heartbreak for Lionesses on night of drama at Hampden Park

Scotland 0-6 England

EXCLUSIVE pitchside photography from Impetus’ Arwen Moses at Hampden Park.

Report by Ben Phillips (6/12/23).

Above: Spectacular action as Alessia Russo gets a shot in on goal. Photo: Arwen Moses for Impetus.

The stakes could not have been any higher going into the final fixture of the UEFA Nations League for England, with the Lionesses needing to secure a win against old rivals Scotland at Hampden Park and bettering the Netherlands result against Belgium if they stood a chance of automatic qualification for the final stages of the Nations League and keep the Olympic hopes alive.

Coach Sarina Wiegman made two changes to her Lionesses starting line up giving a first start to Manchester City defender Esme Morgan, and Arsenal’s Beth Mead also got her first start for England in 12 months since recovering from her ACL injury. Scotland Manager Pedro Martinez Losa made four changes to his side that drew their last game against Belgium.

England started the game brightly with a similar attacking mentality to how they finished Friday’s fixture against the Netherlands. Lionesses’ fans did not have to wait long to witness the first goal when Beth Mead executed a perfect cross from a corner that allowed Alex Greenwood to break the deadlock rising above the Scottish defence and glancing a header past the stranded Lee Gibson in the Scotland goal on 12 minutes.

Above: England’s Alex Greenwood, who opened the scoring in Glasgow last night. Photo: Arwen Moses for Impetus.

Shouts for a penalty rang out around Hampden Park shortly after the restart when Lucy Bronze made minimal contact in the England box on Scotland’s Lisa Evans, but the referee waved off the appeals from the Scottish players.

Lauren Hemp should have doubled England’s lead in the 30th minute of the game when Lauren James placed a pass through to Hemp unmarked, and from two yards out her side-footed chance hit the post. Both sides created plenty of chances in the first half hour or so making it an exciting and entertaining fixture to watch. England piled on the pressure and their build-up play was a pleasure to watch.

James doubled England’s advantage in the 37th minute and it took a slice of luck with the Chelsea star hitting a shot that took a deflection as it went past Scotland’s Gibson after the hosts failed to clear their lines after another England corner.  Straight after the restart with Scotland rocked after conceding again, Niamh Charles ran at the Scottish defence before feeding the ball across shortly after for James’s second goal when she ran at the Scottish defence before feeding the edge of the box to an unmarked Chelsea and Lionesses team mate to finish superbly into the far corner of the net.

Above: Lauren James fires in a shot last night. Photo: Arwen Moses for Impetus.

Beth Mead found the net with a well-placed goal, from a James cross with her first Lionesses goal in 15 months on the stroke of halftime which was a fantastic way to bring the first half to a close. The Lionesses were clinical and were a delight to watch.

Shortly after the restart, brilliant play down the right-hand side from Stanway allowed Fran Kirby to capitalise on the Scottish defence napping by scoring a well-placed tap-in from within the six-yard box for England’s fifth.

A melee in the Scottish box on 58 minutes saw the Lionesses nearly score again, with Kirby rattling the crossbar with a great effort after Charles and Mead had chances and were denied.

Above: Fran Kirby, who scored the Lionesses’ fifth goal. Photo: Arwen Moses for Impetus.

A poor back pass in the 70th minute allowed Hanson to pounce for Scotland, who attempted to pass round Mary Earps in the England goal but Earps stood big and made a vital interception to deny Scotland a goal.

The visitors still pushed for more as the second half progressed and their attacking play, intensity, and determination to get the job done was impressive throughout the game. Despite this, they still needed Earps to produce a world-class save in injury time to deny Thomas from scoring.

Lucy Bronze scored a hugely important goal for England late in injury time with a well-placed header in the 93rd minute which was the last action of the game at Hampden Park.

Above: It was another impressive night for Lauren Hemp. Photo: Arwen Moses for Impetus.

Wiegman’s team had a nervous wait at the final whistle as they had to wait for the result in Belgium to determine their own outcome on qualification. It was a night of incredible drama, but it was not to be England’s lucky night as the Netherlands won 4-0 against Belgium to top the group on goal difference meaning the Lionesses would out of the running for the semi-finals of the competition, and with it the end of the Olympic qualification dream.

Beth Mead said after the match when asked to sum up her emotions, “We are devasted and done everything we possibly could on the pitch tonight. The team was incredible but unfortunately, it wasn’t in our hands, and yes the Netherlands got the four goals, and fair play to them.”  Mead went on to say it was “Devastating to miss out by such small margins, but that’s football and it wasn’t meant to be.”

It proved a night to forget for Scotland fans, despite recently signing a new contract extension the Scottish fans will be asking questions of head coach Martinez Losa, who got his tactics wrong. The hosts were lucky that it was not more than six goals conceded against a dominant England side. Martinez Losa said shortly after the match to BBC Scotland, “Very frustrated and disappointed, I want to apologise to the fans. This is not the level we expected, especially in the first half, we totally lost concentration. It was a tough night for our players, and I take full responsibility.”

Above: Georgia Stanway’s disappointment after the final whistle is clear. Photo: Arwen Moses for Impetus.

England have finished their 2023 international campaign strong, playing exciting attacking football, and can hold their heads high. Mistakes in earlier fixtures in the tournament are what has cost them a place in the semi-finals overall. However, one thing is sure when the disappointment fades and the dust settles is that Wiegman’s Lionesses will bounce back and come back hungry for more success in 2024.

More of Arwen Moses’ EXCLUSIVE photos from Hampden Park for Impetus:

Teams: SCOTLAND (3-4-1-2): Gibson, Corsie, Clark, Mukandi, McLauchlan, Cuthbert, Kerr, Docherty, Evans, Hanson, Emslie. Substitutes used: Howard (for Clark 45′), Brown (for Mukandi 45′), Lee Napier (for McLauchlan 45′), Harrison (for Hanson 79′), Thomas (for Emslie 64′).

ENGLAND (4-3-3): Earps, Bronze, Morgan, Greenwood, Charles, Stanway, Walsh, Kirby, Mead, Hemp, James. Substitutes used: Toone (for Kirby 65′), Russo (for Mead 65′).

Scorers: Greenwood 12′. James 38′, 39′. Mead 45+1′. Kirby 49′, Bronze 90+3′.

Referee: Lonela Alina Pesu (Romania).

Attendance: 15,320.

Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, and Facebook.  

Apostolakis scores, Young Matildas lose, but lots to like about China tour.

China U20 3-1 Australia U20

By Kieran Yap 6/12/23

Above: Sasha Grove was exceptional for Australia in both games. Photo: Football Australia.

Despite the scoreline, Australia’s Under 20 side left fans and observers with plenty to be excited about in their last game of 2023.

A late Alexia Apostolakis goal was not enough to prevent the Young Matildas finishing their year with a 3-1 defeat. Australia’s Under 20 side faced China in the second game of the international break having defeated them by the same score on the weekend. With an eye on next year’s Under 20 Asian Cup, manager Leah Blayney rotated the squad in midfield and attack to give players an opportunity to push for a place on the plane.

Zara Kruger, Milan Hammond, Grace Johnston, Zoe Karipidis Lara Gooch and Indiana Dos Santos all came into the starting 11. Naomi Chinnama, Jessika Nash and Apostolakis all retained their placed anchoring the team in defence.

Australia started the brighter of the two sides, attacking with pace down the flanks, but the killer touch that was present in the opening game was missing at the goal mouth. China’s opening goal was a well struck effort from a corner kick, and although not exactly against the run of play, did feel like it signaled a shift in momentum.

Australia’s midfield was not as dominant as they were in game one. China looked much more comfortable in possession, but the trio of Aussie centre backs were able to repel most attacks. With China defending deeper and quick to get into formation, it was difficult for Australia to break them down.

The second goal was an unfortunate one to concede. A hopeful effort from the wide area squirmed past Chloe Lincoln who otherwise had another solid game between the sticks. China’s third left the Canberra United keeper with no chance, as the striker stole possession near halfway and powered into the box before firing into the net from close range.

Australia were not cowed by the scoreline, and did not look panicky or rushed in their attacks. Sasha Grove and Peta Trimis were introduced and had immediate impacts. Grove was busy across both flanks, and Trimis certainly enhanced her reputation as an international prospect.

Apostolakis’s goal came in the 89th minute. Kruger’s well hit corner was headed towards goal by Chinnama and the Western Sydney Wanderer slammed home the rebound with the poise of a veteran striker. It gave Australia some hope, and a reward for the persistence shown in despite the deficit.

Despite the identical but mirrored scorelines, Australia probably had the better of the series. It might sound strange, but they played better in their 3-1 loss than China did on Saturday.

They still created chances, and found different avenues to goal when it became apparent that China was not going to let them get behind as easily as they did in game one. Grace Johnston very nearly levelled the scores after a well worked set piece, but her header glanced wide of the far post.

The Young Matildas left the field looking disappointed, as is to be expected of a team aiming for silverware, but for fans there was plenty to like about this performance, even if the scoreline didn’t reflect that.

The Young Matildas have only four months to prepare for the Asian Cup, but they were a match for China over these two games, in another solid window for this exciting group of footballers.

Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, and Facebook.  

Canada send Sinclair off with a win against The Matildas

Canada 1-0 Australia

By Emma Burke 6/12/23

Above: Clare Hunt for Australia. Photo: Football Australia

Australia have been defeated 1-0 by Canada in their final game of 2023, after a lacklustre performance against the most recent Olympic gold medallists.

Head coach Tony Gustavsson made ten changes to the starting xi used in the first Canada friendly, retaining only Teagan Micah in between the goals.

Following an emotional farewell to Canadian captain and icon of the women’s game Christine Sinclair and fellow stalwart Sophie Schmidt, the game kicked off with an intensity from Australia that looked reminiscent of their Women’s World Cup performance.

It was a marked improvement from the first game they played against Canada, spending a majority of the initial 20 minutes in their attacking half, with Hayley Raso making some blinding runs and getting a shot off and Mary Fowler looking to try and open the scoring for Australia, but it was ultimately short lived. 

The Matildas seemed lethargic at best, left chasing after Canadian possession, and eventually conceded a goal after a Canadian corner resulted in Kadeisha Buchanan taking a shot on goal that ricocheted off the crossbar and right into the path of Quinn who had been left unmarked. Micah had dived to try and save the initial shot, leaving Quinn with an open goal to head the ball into the back of the net.

The goal may as well have called half time itself, as the vision of the game for anyone watching at home or on streaming services dropped out almost completely, leaving the last five minutes of the first half unwatchable.

The second half felt much like the first one did, slow. 

There were a few moments where Australia had the opportunity to equalise, but efforts from Caitlin Foord and substitute Tameka Yallop both were sent sailing over the bar.

Clare Hunt’s work rate in the defensive line was key to keeping Canada from running away with the game as she was able to chase down Nichelle Prince, who would’ve otherwise been in one-on-one with Micah, and the pair were able to do enough to force her shot wide of the near post.

While two losses in a row for the Matildas is a tough pill to swallow, especially for newer fans and supporters, it does little to mar the exceptional year that Australia has had in Women’s football, and ultimately should encourage everyone to dig a little deeper, whether it be on the pitch or in support of those who are.

Australia (4-4-2): Micah, Catley, Foord, Van Egmond, Fowler, Kennedy, Hunt, Raso, Gorry, Carpenter, Cooney-Cross 
Substitutes Used: Yallop

Canada (3-4-3): Sheridan, Sinclair, Buchanan, Quinn, Riviere, Lawrence, Gilles, Prince, Flemming, Lacasse, Rose 
Substitutes Used: Collins, Zadorsky, Huitema, Schmidt, Leon, Awujo

Scorers: Quinn 40’

Location: Christine Sinclair Place (BC Place) 

Attendance: 48,112

Referee: TBC

Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, and Facebook.   

Chelsea: Nothing stops them…so far

by Maisie McNulty (5/12/23).

Above: Aggie Beever-Jones one of Chelsea’s shining lights this season who will be key to Emma Hayes signing off with more trophies. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.

As expected by many, Chelsea have made a strong start to their 2023/24 campaign in the Super League. Top of the table with 22 points, equalling an average of 2.75 points per game, will Emma Hayes leave Chelsea with a parting gift by leading them to their seventh WSL title under her management?

This analysis of Chelsea’s season thus far looks at the pre-season predictions, prominent players, and the influential management of Emma Hayes to get a more in-depth understanding of the English women’s football champions.

Pre-season predictions
Above: Last season’s captain Magda Eriksson (right) poses with the 2022/23 WSL trophy with this season’s captain Millie Bright (left) and Emma Hayes (centre). Photo: Andy Wicks for Impetus.

After winning the WSL for the fourth consecutive year, the expectation for Chelsea to keep up their high performance was truly set high. However, in pre-season there was the departure of two influential players Magdalena Eriksson (2017-2023) and Pernille Harder (2020-2023) who transferred for free to Bayern Munich.

Whilst this was seen as a great loss, the transfer window welcomed great players into the Chelsea team such as European champion Hannah Hampton, 2020 Olympic football winner Ashley Lawrence, Germany midfielder Sjoeke Nusken, and USWNT players Catarina Macario and Mia Fishel.

During the six games played so far, there was only one game where Chelsea was pushed – game week two at Manchester City away where 11 cards were issued (three of which were for Chelsea) and the Blues bagged a last-minute goal from Guro Reiten to climb out of a near loss. Although they have had a strong start to the season, the defending champions are yet to face some of the strongest competition such as Arsenal and Manchester United.

Chelsea are the only English team who are competing in the Champions League after Man United and Arsenal didn’t manage to make it out of the qualifying rounds. Therefore they are more likely to have more games in between WSL games and therefore less rest and recovery.

No matter how Chelsea has played so far, their ability to control and maintain their strong form will be what counts most.

Management
Above: Chelsea boss Emma Hayes receiving her WSL winners medal last season. Photo: Andy Wicks for Impetus.

Since 2012, Emma Hayes has been a part of Chelsea and fans are unable to picture the club without her.

The first two seasons that Hayes had with the club were not the best, but with every journey, there has to be a starting point. In the 2014 season, Chelsea missed out on the WSL title on the final day by a close margin. After the heartbreak, Hayes began to make major changes such as welcoming the arrival of several players such as current captain Millie Bright, and paying a then British fee record for Fran Kirby from Reading.

Hayes went on that season to guide Chelsea to a history-making league and cup double as well as reaching the last 16 in the Champions League. From here things took off and Hayes has subsequently won the WSL title six times, the FA Cup five times, the Conti Cup twice and the FA Community Shield once.

However with this now being confirmed as Hayes’ last season there is extra pressure on to win the trophy that the club have always failed to capture – The Champions League. In the previous year, the Blues boss guided her team all the way to the semi-finals where they were beaten by the current champions, Barcelona.

Players to watch
Above: Lauren James – a star of the show for Chelsea this season. Photo: Mariella Prew for Impetus.

Alongside award-winning forwards Sam Kerr and Lauren James, there are many more influential players this season such as Aggie Beever-Jones. Just 20 years of age, Beever-Jones grew up within the Chelsea academy. The youngster debuted in a 4-0 win against Aston Villa in January 2021 and in April 2021 had her first start for Chelsea in the FA Cup. She has spent the last two seasons on loan at Bristol City and Everton respectively. This season, Beever-Jones has truly become a player to look out for.

Jess Carter has progressed each season since arriving. There was no doubt about it that in the 2022/23 season, Carter showed everyone the talent and skills she had. There have been quite a few notable defensive pieces of work, for example in the season opener against Tottenham Hotspur.

Champions League

Although it may have been fairly smooth sailing in the Women’s Super League, Chelsea’s major challenge of trying to send Hayes off with a maiden Champions League trophy hasn’t gone entirely to plan.

The Blues’ first game was away to Real Madrid where two Matildas sensations, Sam Kerr and Hayley Raso went head to head. After a controversial 95 minutes and a thrilling game, the score ended up 2-2 with goals from Niamh Charles (41′) and Kerr (74′). A potential match-winner from Charles was disallowed.

Hayes commented after the game saying that her side “had been robbed of what should have been a 3-1 game”. This frustration came after a penalty was awarded for Real Madrid from a foul that happened outside the box, which Olga Carmona scored from, and a disallowed goal which was said to be offside however photos and videos from the match show that this was not the correct decision.

Above: Sam Kerr (20) in action against Leicester City just prior to the international window. Photo: Mariella Prew for Impetus.

No matter the frustration this caused the Chelsea side, they took some of it out on Paris FC in the following tie. Although their start to this game may not have been the best, as they finished the first half with a score of 1-1 thanks to Kerr’s strike on the half-hour, they would go on to produce a second-half super show.

Soon into the second half, Kerr showed no mercy by scoring a second goal which soon turned into an impressive hat trick. To top off the night, Sophie Ingle got her first goal of the season in the 91st minute.

Next up in the competition is the current group leader BK Häcken. The Damallsvenskan side have won both of their games so far. This encounter will take place at Stamford Bridge just four days after this weekend’s huge WSL London derby with Arsenal.

Although Chelsea started powerfully, they still have many challenges ahead – the immediate two games after the international window will potentially display crucial signs as to how silverware this campaign could be won.

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Canaries flying high after winning battle of the top two

Norwich City 2-0 AFC Wimbledon

by Lucy Chen at The Nest for Impetus (5/12/23).

Above: Norwich City celebrate Tash Snelling’s opening goal in their hugely important win at home to AFC Wimbledon. Photo: Norwich City Women.

Norwich City hosted AFC Wimbledon at the Nest on Sunday for a top-of-the-table clash in FAWNL Division One South East. Both sides started the season superbly, with Wimbledon winning all but one of their games and leading the table by six points while the Canaries have a game in hand and remain unbeaten in the league.

Norwich City returned to a back three with Hope Strauss coming in for Freya Symonds while their talisman Tash Snelling returned to the lineup.

The Dons had the first chance two minutes into the game when they secured a corner, though the shot was well over. A minute later, the visitors broke down the right again and delivered an excellent cross for a header that smashed into the crossbar. Though the Canaries had plenty of possession in the opening minutes, Wimbledon held the upper hand.

The visitors happily conceded possession to deny Norwich City the opportunity to press them and force turnovers high while marking the pivots Eloise Morran and Katie Knights to make central progression difficult. City were forced to build up play from the back, with Ceri Flye receiving the short pass from goalkeeper Sarah Quantrill and looking for the outside centre-backs. The visitors, however, jumped on the outside centre backs whenever they received the ball, forcing them to go long and breaking forward quickly in transition.

The Canaries increasingly resorted to going long, with Snelling and Megan Todd dropping to act as target forwards, winning their duels and holding up the ball before playing in teammates. Ellie Smith – Norwich’s creative hub – pushed higher whenever Snelling dropped in a bid to receive in more dangerous areas, but this was to their detriment as Smith’s more advanced positioning limited her involvement. The Yellows would often look for her to pick up the ball deeper and carry it forward, but with Smith higher their buildup became one-dimensional and almost entirely reliant on going long and winning duels.

A player of Smith’s calibre, however, only needs a split second to make a difference, and she did just that in the 31st minute, winning the ball on the edge of the box with a tackle before finding Snelling at the far post for the opener.

Above: Tash Snelling (yellow shirt) scores the opener for Norwich City past the diving Faye Baker of AFC Wimbledon. Photo: Norwich City Women FC.

Unfortunately, Smith sustained an injury in the process and was forced to go off, replaced by Rachel Lawrence. Meanwhile, play resumed and the Dons pushed for the equalizer, coming close in the 39th minute with a ball into the box. Quantrill initially claimed the cross, but the ball slipped from her gloves and looked for all the world like it was going in the net. However, Strauss got there just in time to clear the danger.

Two minutes later, the Canaries had a chance of their own with Lauren Tomlinson sprinting down the left in one of her signature marauding runs, though her cross missed the target. Wimbledon goalkeeper Faye Baker went long from the resulting goal kick and Morran found the ball at her feet in the ensuing chaos. She found Lawrence on the edge of the box with a long diagonal pass, and the Canaries’ number 24 delivered her cross with pinpoint accuracy, finding Snelling at the far post again to make it 2-0.

The second half began more slowly, but the pace picked up and the game quickly devolved into open-ended exchanges with the two sides contesting the midfield fiercely. Turnovers were frequent and the Canaries’ midfielders fared well in those battles.

Morran is the archetypical number six and held position in front of defense, winning her duels and screening the backline though she had few chances to dictate play given the frantic nature of the proceedings. Knights on the other hand, thrived in the chaos and was at the center of the action, harrying opposition players in defense and driving forward in attack, although the Canaries lacked that creative spark without Smith and were happy to sit back and protect their lead.

The Dons had their best chance after the restart in the 65th minute with a cross into the box, but Flye managed to block the resultant shot. Five minutes later, the trio of Snelling, Knights, and Lawrence combined brilliantly on the right, with Snelling dropping for the wall pass and knocking the ball back to Knights who released Lawrence down the flank, though it ultimately came to nothing. Snelling had a chance to complete her hat trick in the 76th minute but Baker managed to parry her shot.

In the end, AFC Wimbledon were not able to breach Quantrill’s goal and Norwich City saw the game out to win 2-0. Only three points behind now, the Canaries will close the gap if they win their game in hand and the title race promises to be a tight one.

Teams: NORWICH CITY: Quantrill; Strauss, Flye, Larkins, Tomlinson, Knights, Parker; Smith (Lawrence 33 (Hailes 90+3)), Todd (Symonds 71), Snelling (Daviss 86)

Scorers: Snelling 31′, 42′.

AFC WIMBLEDON: Baker, Russell, Highman, Ali, Hinks, Gibson, Donovan, Billingham, Dorey, Goddard.

Attendance: 320.

Gustavsson talks turf, load management and player debuts

By Emma Burke (6/12/23).

Above: The Matildas in training to face Canada: Photo: Rachel Bach/Football Australia.

Matildas’ head coach Tony Gustavsson has faced Australian and Canadian media in a match day -1 press conference to discuss his reasoning behind line-up choices, playing on synthetic grass, and the importance of this game as an opportunity to farewell one of the game’s greatest players.

“It’s important to give them a taste of what football is like at this level,” said Gustavsson regarding his youthful and inexperienced starting eleven that was dealt a 5-0 loss by Canada.

Gustavsson stressed the importance of being able to send the players back to their respective clubs or youth national teams knowing exactly what it takes to play at the highest level.

“They were ready to get that experience,” he said. 

While it had been said previously, Gustavsson also noted that his choices were also impacted by player load management, ensuring that player safety and well-being was considered.

The game was played at Starlight Stadium, located in Langford, and uses synthetic grass, which “adds another layer to player safety and load management.”

Changing playing surfaces can increase the risk of player injury, due to the shifts in moments by the ball and by the players.

“Some players expressed frustration from the last game, they thought it was very difficult, especially the ones who play on grass week in week out,” said Gustavsson.

“It’s been easier for our players based in Sweden, as they have experience with it,” he said regarding the synthetic playing field.

The second game will be played at BC Place, in Vancouver, which also uses a synthetic surface, and will be the final national team game for Canadian Christine Sinclair.

Sinclair has scored 190 international goals, a record number irrespective of gender, and has played against and alongside many of the Matildas.

“Before the game, I hope that we can be a part of honouring her, that’s the respect she deserves, and I know the [Matildas] want to do it as well,” Gustavsson said of the legendary player.

“But I’ve said before, the best way to respect her once the game starts, is to make it a game, a proper game, and really compete, because that’s what she wants.”

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Foord: “There’s been lots to learn from and lots to gain”

by Ben Gilby (4/12/23)

Above: Caitlin Foord speaking today from the Matildas camp in Vancouver. Image: Football Australia.

Ahead of Australia’s final game of a historic 2023, attacker Caitlin Foord reflected on both the challenges of this particular international window, and her year for both club and country.

Foord was one of a number of key Matildas who were not involved in the first of the two games against Canada. She highlighted the particular challenges that were involved in getting to the camp venue.

“With the travel, not only coming into Canada, but then coming into Victoria was an hour bus ride, two hours on a ferry, and then another hour on a bus, that was all before matchday one. To hit the ground running was hard. I give all credit to all the girls that played. We’re building to a bigger picture and he (head coach Tony Gustavsson) wanted to see different players. It was a good test.”

As well as the hurdles faced in getting to the camp, the Matildas also had to reacclimatise to playing on synthetic turf for the game at Starlight Stadium on Friday night. For Foord it was a return to a surface she was once familiar with during her time at the NWSL – but that was a long while back, and now the green, green grass of England is what she knows.

Above: Caitlin Foord in action for Australia during the Olympic qualifiers in Perth during October. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

“It’s different. I used to just get on with it, and it was what it was. Now having been in England with world-class pitches where the grass is absolutely perfect to then come and play on (synthetic) turf, it just changes the whole dynamic of how the game is played. It’s a lot quicker, the whole detail of your pass has to be different, there is a different spin on the ball. It does take a little bit to get used to again.”

Also added into the mix to make the first game a challenge was the continuation of the Matildas new style of play which came about as a result of Tony Gustavsson and his coaching staff reviewing the World Cup performances.

Whilst the Arsenal attacker recognises it was a tough watch at times, the longer-term goal needs to be taken into account.

“It’s a new playing style, and we haven’t had many trainings…(with) it, let alone matches. It’s just another style that we’re able to play come the tournament (Olympics). It’s important to be flexible (about) what game plan you have. To have another one in your toolbox is important.

“With all the analysis and footage…you spend a lot more hours on opponents and what they do. For us it’s about no matter how an (opposition) team plays, finding a solution for it, and finding the space against top teams when you have very little space and time. it’s about us getting on the same page and getting in and out of different formations and different styles.”

Above: BC Place – the venue for The Matildas final game of 2023 in Vancouver against Canada. Photo: Vancouver Whitecaps.

Things are likely to be different in terms of the squad selected for tomorrow night’s second game (local time) which will take place at the 54,500-capacity BC Place Stadium as the Canadian public bids a fond and emotional farewell to the legendary Christine Sinclair.

Foord feels a sense of honour in being able to take part in the encounter. “It’s a big game to look forward to. The World Cup Final in 2015 was here. I’ve been to this stadium before to watch a game and it’s incredible. The importance of it, with ‘Sincy’ (Christine Sinclair) retiring, I’m glad it can be us that her last game is against.”

With this being the last international game of the calendar year, Foord was in reflective mood about 2023. A historic fourth place at the World Cup, plus a string of excellent performances for Arsenal in both the WSL and Champions League were achieved by the 29-year-old. However, she is hungry to achieve far more and recognises that 2023 could easily have been even better.

“I think it’s been successful, but also not. We’ve been good both club and country but fell short both times. There’s been a lot to learn from and lots to gain, but I don’t have much to show for it in my trophy cabinet. I have a Conti Cup, but that’s about it.

Above: Caitlin Foord is loving life at Arsenal but is determined to win trophies with the North London side. Photo: Mariella Prew for Impetus.

“It makes me hungry to win more – the league and FA Cup at Arsenal, and, again keep the Conti Cup, qualify for the Champions League. I hope this year is a stepping stone for next year.

“I love it over there (with Arsenal). With the facility and my team, it’s an environment you can only get better at. That’s something I was lacking – just that bit of consistency (in club football). At a top club, you have to have that to keep playing. I needed that pressure on me to keep performing to play every week. I’ve seen my game improve since I’ve been there. Hopefully, it can only get better and better.”

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Spectacular O’Grady strike seals win for Young Matildas.

China U20 1-3 Australia U20

By Kieran Yap 3/12/23

Above: The Young Matildas celebrate Ella O’Grady’s (right) goal against China’s Under 20’s. Photo: Football Australia.

There was no A-League Women this weekend, but many of the competition’s best players were still in action as the Young Matildas defeated China in an international friendly.

Goals to Daniela Galic opened the scoring early in the first half, while Sasha Grove and Ella O’Grady completed the result after the break. It was an interesting and encouraging performance by Australia’s Under 20 side as they prepare for the Asian Cup in 2024.

China presented a different level of opponent to what The Young Matildas have recently been facing. They have been ruthless, dynamic and high professional as they racked up high scores and dominant performances in qualification for the upcoming tournament. Under Leah Blayney, they have played an exciting brand of football, but also been defensively disciplined and composed.

With respect to earlier opposition, China are another beast compared to Vietnam or Lebanon and the question was how would they perform against a team that might have more possession. The answer was encouraging.

For periods of the first half, China had Australia on the back foot, but with Naomi Chinnama, Jessika Nash and Alexia Apostolakis sitting deep and Sasha Grove dropping back to help, Australia proved hard to break down. China’s best opportunities came from earning repeated free-kicks around the area.

When Australia was able to attack, they were efficient. Khali Johnson struck the woodwork in the opening minutes and an Alana Murphy corner had China scrambling.

When they were able to set up their preferred pressing formation, Australia reaped immediate benefits. Johnson closed down a short goal kick with urgency and Galic latched onto the next pressure pass. She side stepped an oncoming challenge and finished with the class that Melbourne City fans are fast becoming accustomed to.

Australia eventually gained control of the match, Murphy was the principle ball mover in midfield, and her passing range helped set Johnson free to run at the China defenders.

The second half saw some rotation from the bench. Indiana Dos Santos came on for Murphy and Peta Trimis was swapped for Ella O’Grady. Australia doubled their lead in the 66th minute.

Chloe Lincoln played the ball out from goalkeeper and that began a 10 pass move involving eight players before Sasha Grove arrived on schedule to prod the ball home from the other six yard box. It was a perfectly executed team move that required confident quick passing through both the middle of the pitch and the left flank. It might have been the best goal of the day had Ella O’Grady not decided to produce some magic.

O’Grady has quickly developed a reputation for clinical finishing since her move to Melbourne Victory and has long shown that ability at youth team level. Her 68th minute strike was easily her best of 2023.

With China enjoying an attacking surge, The ball was cleared long from defence. O’Grady ran onto it and out wide, she looked cornered by the covering defenders. O’Grady quickly cut onto her right foot and unleashed a high dipping effort that flew beyond the Chinese goalkeeper to make it 3-0 in spectacular fashion. It was a long range effort that only gets better with repeated viewing.

China continued to work for a way back into this game and eventually found it through a late penalty. Naomi Chinnama was judged to have handballed in the box, but given the extremely short distance between her and the ball, it was harsh, although to the letter of the law.

There were some fortunate misses as far as Lincoln was concerned. One effort bounced off the crossbar, another skimmed just wide, but for the most part Australia defended well and Lincoln looked to have the shots covered.

Australia will play China once again on the 6th of December and will be broadcast on YouTube.

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